Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Agricultural innovation from idea to reality

Today’s Presentation Introduction (Dan Skogen) Client: BioPlastic Solutions (Gary Noble) Overview of AURI Impacts for the State of Minnesota (Dan Skogen)

Who We Are AURI is all about taking agricultural innovations from idea to reality with the goal of strengthening Minnesota’s economy and creating new jobs.

Who We Are AURI is led by agriculture leaders from across the state.

Bio-Plastic Solutions, LLC Gary Noble

Bio-Plastic Solutions, LLC BusinessBusiness –Custom Profile Extrusions (2000) –Bio Plastic Material & Process Development (2003) –Bio Plastic Products (2010)

Ranking the Plastics Bio-PolymersBio-Polymers –Most Environmentally Friendly & No Hazards or or PVCPVC –Least Environmentally Friendly & Several Hazardous Components –Hazardous manufacturing process Hazard classification of plastics - US Green Buildings Council Bio-Polymers PP, PE PET ABS, PS, PC PVC

Collaborating Partners Financial and Professional Financial and Professional – Agriculture Utilization Research Institution (AURI) – Corn Growers Association – Soybean Growers Association – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation – The BioAlliance of Minnesota – Bio-Plastic Solutions, LLC – Minnesota Angel Network – CUSTOMERS!!!!

Collaboration Can it:Can it: –reduce risk? –provide better direction? –improve development speed? –build predictability? –bridge prototype to production? –increase all strategic partner’s confidence?

The BioSolution: BioBest® bio-co-polymer Agriculturally based bio- polymer alternative to PVCAgriculturally based bio- polymer alternative to PVC Capable of engineered performanceCapable of engineered performance Proprietary composition, extrusion process & several applicationsProprietary composition, extrusion process & several applications Profile extrusion productsProfile extrusion products

Environmental Positives Corn & Soybeans are rapidly renewableCorn & Soybeans are rapidly renewable Growing corn removes CO2Growing corn removes CO2 Less processing energyLess processing energy No Chlorine or harmful plasticizersNo Chlorine or harmful plasticizers No formaldehydesNo formaldehydes

BioBest® Process Reactive Biocomposite Biopolymer Process Proprietary Profile Extrusion Process BioBest Profile Extrusions CORN SOYBEAN

Proprietary Fiber Reinforcement Technologies Improve Tensile Strength Reduce Brittleness Increase Heat Deflection Utilize Waste Stream Products

Renewable Materials Meet Or Exceed Current Performance RequirementsMeet Or Exceed Current Performance Requirements –Tensile and Modulus Strength –Brittleness Meet Current Aesthetics And OptionsMeet Current Aesthetics And Options –Finish (gloss or matte) & Texture –Colors –Prints Pricing Maximum Premium Of 5% to 15%Pricing Maximum Premium Of 5% to 15%

Thank You

AURI: Growing Minnesota’s Economy One Innovation at a Time Dan Skogen Planning and Government Relations Director AURI

Leveraging for Maximum Impact In FY11 and FY12: State appropriation was $5.3/biennium $5,680,046 of non-state funds leveraged

Economic Development In eight years: $414,055,000 of capital invested in new plants or equipment 281,320 tons of commodities used in new products or processes 275 new jobs created 217 jobs retained *Client-report, 16% reporting these impacts as a result of AURI’s assistance

Statewide Significance

The Future of Agbioscience in Minnesota Agriculture is essential to the economic recovery. Every $1 of agricultural research results in at least $10 of economic development.* Modern agriculture is high tech and high science. *Presidential Council’s report on ag research

AURI’s Innovation Strategy Generate: Ideas for innovation come from research, conversations, brainstorming and networking Select: We work across organizations to determine the highest impact research and projects Implement: We bring together the right people to implement the ideas in the marketplace

What Our Clients Have to Say We are in business today for one reason—all of the help we’ve received. Without AURI, I don’t know where we would be today. We just had an idea; AURI made it possible. —Darryl Metcalfe, USA Solutions AURI’s involvement from start to finish was invaluable. This is a project I know we could never have undertaken on our own. —John Peterson, Ferndale Market Because of AURI, we didn't stop our development. —Gary Noble, BioPlastic Solutions The technical assistance they have provided us has helped tremendously. —Eric Kreidermacher, Alternative Energy Solutions

Questions?